WestJet – Pet Policy
| Pet Type | Cabin | Checked Baggage / Cargo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | Yes (small dogs in soft carrier; pet + carrier fit under seat; pet must be able to move naturally inside; 1 pet per kennel; carrier counts as carry-on or personal item) | Yes (IATA-approved hard crate; max 45 kg including pet; breed/season/route restrictions apply; pre-booking required) | Brachycephalic breeds not accepted in cargo; aggressive breeds require reinforced crates; all pets must be healthy with proper documentation; live animal handling form signed; pet remains inside kennel at all times |
| Cat | Yes (same as dogs; pet in soft carrier; weight and size limits apply) | Yes (same rules as dogs) | Health and document compliance required; disabilities and breed restrictions apply; pre-book ship accordingly |
| Bird | Yes (accepted in cabin; certain birds only; permits and documentation required) | Yes (cargo with permits and proper crates; limited acceptance; embargoes apply) | Permit and health documentation required; species restrictions exist; cargo-only on many routes |
| Reptile | No | Cargo only (advanced booking, permits and crates required) | Not accepted in cabin or as checked baggage |
| Fish | No | Cargo only (special arrangements and permits; not standard pet) | Requires specialized freight services |
| Rabbit | No | Cargo or checked baggage only with advance arrangements and documentation | Not accepted as cabin pet |
Important Guidelines
- Book your pet's travel as early as possible; space for pets in cabin and cargo is limited and subject to airline approval.
- Comply strictly with carrier size and weight requirements; soft-sided carriers for cabin pets and IATA-approved crates for cargo/check-in pets.
- Pets must have all required health, vaccination, microchip, and import/export documentation appropriate for origin, transit, and destination countries.
- Special attention to breed restrictions for brachycephalic and aggressive breeds; these may be refused or require reinforced crates.
- Pets must remain inside carrier from check-in through flight and at all times in the airport.
- Live Animal Handling Declaration form must be signed at check-in; failure to comply with rules may result in denied boarding.
- Embargoes are season and route dependent; check with WestJet customer service for up-to-date restrictions.
Woofly Tips
- Acclimate your pet to its travel carrier well before travel to improve comfort and reduce stress.
- Measure and weigh your pet and carrier ahead of time to ensure compliance with airline limits.
- Bring all original and digital copies of required documentation, including vaccination certificates, import/export paperwork, and booking confirmations.
- Contact WestJet well in advance when traveling with restricted breeds or for cargo shipments to ensure acceptance and proper arrangements.
- Check for any seasonal and route-based embargoes on pet transport before booking to avoid surprises at the airport.
Last updated: July 27, 2025